Illusionist Criss Angel’s 2-Year-Old Son Is In Remission
Published on June 16, 2016.James Atoa / Everett Collection
Illusionist Criss Angel’s 2-year-old son’s battle with cancer is starting to turn around.
In October 2015, Angel’s young son, Johnny Sarantakos, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The news prompted the illusionist to cancel his magic shows in Las Vegas and fly to Australia to be with his child.
After 8 months of intense cancer treatments, Johnny’s health is starting to improve. “Johnny is technically in remission, thank God,” Angel said in a recent interview with Us Weekly. “I believe he will be healed.”
But in order to beat the cancer, the little boy will need to continue receiving care. “What doctors found is you have to continue treatment to kill all the cells, as there is no guarantee,” Angel said. This includes blood transfusions, spinal taps, and chemotherapy treatments.
The boy is in the care of his mother, Angel’s ex-wife Shaunyl Benson, in Australia. Angel shared a photo of his son on Instagram back in March that showed Johnny playing with a red truck. “Our brave strong boy going through what no child should ever have to,” the proud dad captioned.
Since his son’s diagnosis, Angel has become an advocate for cancer research. He’s currently planning a charity event at the Luxor in Las Vegas to raise $1 million for pediatric cancer research. The event, titled “Heal Every Life Possible,” will feature performances by Jerry Lewis, Wayne Newton, Blue Man Group, and Cirque Du Soleil.
We wish Johnny and his family all the best as he bravely continues his treatment.
